Both firms compete in a regulated forex landscape, but strengths pull in different directions on regulation depth, platform choice, and cost. This comparison weighs which edge matters most.
XTB edges Admirals on the editorial score, reflecting stronger trust/regulation and platform tools. Admirals offers a larger instrument universe and a Zero account with tight spreads.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want a larger instrument universe and a Zero account with tight spreads. You also benefit from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and KNF regulation.
Choose XTB if…
Choose XTB if you want the proprietary xStation 5 platform and a 0 minimum deposit on standard accounts. You also gain strong regulation via FCA, CySEC, and KNF.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Admirals offers tighter spreads from 0.50 pips vs 0.80 pips for XTB, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Pros
Extensive range of accounts including Zero, Trade, and Invest
Strong FCA and CySEC regulation covering EU and UK traders
High-quality educational content including live webinars
Zero account offers spreads from 0.5 pips with $6 round-turn commission
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Admirals | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Admirals rates 4.3/5 and XTB rates 4.5/5. XTB has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Admirals starts from 0.5 pips, tighter than XTB's 0.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
XTB has no minimum deposit, while Admirals requires at least $100. This makes XTB more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Admirals and XTB hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: XTB has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Admirals lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while XTB lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Admirals charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for XTB are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while XTB supports xStation 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Admirals has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB wins safety and regulation, boasting higher trust score and FCA, CySEC, and KNF oversight.
Admirals wins for active traders due to larger instrument universe and tighter spreads.
Admirals is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.50 pips.
XTB wins for beginners due to zero minimum deposit on standard accounts.
Admirals wins for instrument variety with 8000 instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Tallinn, Estonia | Warsaw, Poland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.8 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 1.1 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 24 months) | €10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CySEC KNF | FCA CySEC KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | xStation 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
LSE- and WSE-listed with FCA, CySEC, and KNF regulation, exceptional corporate transparency
xStation 5 is one of the best proprietary platforms in retail forex
Zero-commission stock CFDs up to EUR 100,000/month
No minimum deposit on standard accounts
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Platform-heavy, MT4 and MT5 only, no proprietary platform
Customer support quality varies by region
Not available to US clients
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
Market maker on forex, not appropriate for raw ECN scalpers
Product breadth narrower than IG or Saxo
Support quality varies outside European hours
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.3 / 5
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